Pyramidal Holly | Ilex 'Nellie R Stevens'

Hollies are usually unbothered by pests and diseases, but young plants can occasionally be affected by scale insects, holly leaf miner or aphids.

Water in thoroughly when planting. For bare root trees, you won't need to water regularly, only in dry spells when needed. You should be able to tell because the leaves will start to wilt and droop. Container grown trees will need more watering until their roots are established. Your tree should be watered every other day or so for the first few months, then reduce to twice a week until autumn. In the second year and beyond, it should have an established enough root system to support itself, just water when required. When watering a tree it is important to give a good soaking, watering heavily and less frequently rather than little and often as this encourages the roots to grow deep down into the ground.

This tree loves full sun or partial shade in a sheltered location. Choosing a spot away from strong winds will allow all the tree's resources to go towards growing blossom and protecting its display

Thrives in any well-drained soil. If your soil is particularly clay-heavy and/or often becomes waterlogged then you can improve the drainage by adding in plenty of organic matter such as garden compost as well as some perlite or gravel.